Private Guided Tour of Hampton Court Palace
Recommended by 100% of travelers
London, England
- 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Hampton Court Palace is one of London’s most interesting palaces, but as it's half Tudor and half Baroque, unpacking its long history and architecture can take a lot of work. Make the most of your time and tour the palace with a former state apartment warder, who has worked at the palace for years, and can cover everything from Henry VIII and ghosts to LGBTQI+ history—or lead a kid-focused tour—depending on your group’s interests.
- See more of Hampton Court Palace in less time with a private guide
- Veteran guide tailors each session to your group’s unique interests
- Ideal for large groups: Flat-rate fee covers up to 10 people
- Choice of morning or afternoon tour times to fit your schedule
What's Included
- Personal tour with your own knowledgeable guide with 18 years experience of working at The Palace.
- Sheila also specializes in Ghost, LGBTQ+ & Grace and Favour tours
- Sheila has an EDI Level 3 Diploma in Cultural Heritage (learning & interpretation)
- Sheila has a Level 2 Accreditation from the Institute of Tourist Guiding
- Food & Drink
- Gratuities
- Entrance fee - Hampton Court Palace£25.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Hampton Court PalaceHampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, UK
West Gate - Main entrance (down drive) to Palace (not large gates by main road)
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Hampton Court Palace
4 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 272 reviews
Sanna_R, Mar 2026
We had a very rewarding guided tour at Hampton Court Palace. Sheila was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and even though our group consisted of people from different generations with varying levels of interest in history, everyone enjoyed the tour. Afterward, we visited the Mute Swan pub that Sheila recommended, which was also an excellent place to relax and enjoy a good lunch.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Sanna,
Thank you so much for taking time to leave a lovely review. It was my pleasure to guide for you all, and I hope our journey home is a good one,
Regards Sheila
BethAnne_J, Feb 2026
We were a group of three (including 2 teenagers) touring Hampton Court Palace with Sheila. Over several days in London we visited several historic attractions and museums with experienced guides, and without hesitation Sheila was our favourite guide and our visit to HCP was our most memorable. We weren't even phased by the less than desirable weather -we were so focused on the stories Sheila shared: everything from the Tudors to the Grace & Favour apartments. Not only is Sheila a great story teller, she has a gift for sharing history in a way that is both easy to digest and not overwhelming. I can't imagine experiencing Hampton Court without her by your side. I hope to return and tour more with her because I know that the surface was merely scratched.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hi Beth-Ann,
Jack and Sam. Thank you again for the great feedback. I take many lovely travelers on tour , but you were by far one of my favourite families to entertain. All soo interested in the History ( that I love ). I do look forward to a return visit from you all, at some point.
Best Wishes Sheila
Jack_R, Feb 2026
Walking around Hamlet Court on our own was very good. Walking around with Sheila was absolutely fantastic, learnt so much, enjoyed everything, and couldn’t recommend a better tour guide.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hi Jack,
Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review.It was my pleasure to take you and Catriana on tour of Hampton Court Palace!
Regards Sheila
Chace_B, Jan 2026
Shelia was a wonderful tour guide. Her extensive knowledge about Hampton Court and the Tudor History. We had the most wonderful day and couldn’t recommend this tour and guide enough!!!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Hi Chase ,
Thank you for taking time to write me a glowing review. It was my pleasure to take such a lovely couple on tour of the Palace. I wish I’d had more time, to spend with you both. I do hope Charlie enjoyed the English history , which obviously has a direct link to the American history!
Best Wishes Sheila
Lauren_P, Jan 2026
My husband and I had an absolutely fantastic time touring Hampton Court Palace with Shiela. She customized our tour based on what we were most excited to see. So many details regarding the palace would have been missed without her expertise. If you plan on going to the palace, you have to have Shiela with you to get the best experience!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Hi Lauren,
Thank you so much for the lovely review.It was my absolute pleasure, to take you and Clayton on tour of Hampton Court! I am so pleased my guiding, enriched your experience, and I wish you both a Happy New Year!
Regards Sheila
Sanaa_H, Dec 2025
It was a lovely afternoon with Sheila! She is extremely prepared to tailor the tour to whatever catches your fancy - from history, architecture to ghost stories. Her talk is always engaging and informative and you truly get the most out of this beautiful palace.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hi Sanaa,
Thank you taking the time to review my tour, and the lovely feedback. It was my pleasure to take you and the very youthful looking Iram , ( couldn’t believe she was Mum!)on tour ! Take my love back to Melbourne.!
Regards Sheila
Guillermo_G, Dec 2025
Sheila was a wonderful guide! She was extremely flexible to start with. Due to scheduling conflicts, we had to change our dates and times and eventually still arrived about 20min late and soaked, she was happy to accommodate us. Sheila was extremely professional and found a way to customize the tour around both of our interests, my wife Henty and his wives, me any good ghost stories. Also, her years of experience at the palace have garnered her a certain level of respect from the staff, who appreciate her presence and institutional knowledge. Probably one of the best tours we have ever taken and truly believe that had we not booked the tour, we would have missed out on a greater understanding of what this incredibly rich historical monument has to offer. So, cheers to Sheila and thank you for a wonderful afternoon!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hi Guillermo,
Thank you so much for the taking the time to write such a glowing review. It was my absolute pleasure to take you and Ivette on tour to Hampton Court Palace. You were both such a lovely couple to entertain , it made my job very easy.
Regards Sheila
Kim_M, Dec 2025
For me, this is something to see if you’ve already seen everything else touristy. It’s not nearly as pretty and kept up as Windsor Castle so perhaps start there. It does have a fun outdoor maze and adorable playground for kids. Our guide was very knowledgeable. It’s unfortunate that people with limited walking and stair climbing ability can’t be given more consideration.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hi Kim,
Firstly thank you for taking time to review my tour.
I’m so sorry the Palace didn’t live up to your expectations compared to other places. I did offer you the lift facilities which we utilised, and took time to see that the lady who needed extra consideration with walking ability was catered for.
Hampton Court is a very old Historic building and many other historic sites do not offer lift facilities, like we do.
I do hope Isabella enjoyed the Magic Garden.
Regards Sheila
Ramon_M, Dec 2025
Sheila was an excellent guide, very informative. She tailored the information to our interest and kept it lively.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hi Ramon,
Thank you for taking the time to review my tour. It was my absolute pleasure to take you and Maria around Hampton Court Palace. I hope the rest of your holiday is as enjoyable!
Regards Sheila
Claudia_F, Nov 2025
Our guide, Sheila Dunsmore, was expert in her knowledge of Hampton Court Palace, and held our attention throughout the entire tour!
She asked what we wanted out of the tour, and 100% delivered on what we requested.
Sheila was a pleasure to have as our guide!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Claudia and Robin,
Thank you for taking the time to write a glowing review.It was my absolute pleasure to guide for such lovely ladies. . I hope you have a safe trip home!
Regards Sheila
Cynthia_F, Nov 2025
Sheila Dunsmore is fantastic! She took us all over Hampton Court. She started the tour by asking what kind of tour we wanted so she could cater to our expectations. She is a wealth of knowledge about the architecture, history and people associated with the palace. It was so much better than listening to an audio tour. We could stop where we wanted, ask questions and even got to hear a ghost story. If you want a fantastic tour guide, pick Sheila.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Cynthia,
Thank you soo much for the glowing review. It was my absolute pleasure to take you,, the Thomases and Joyce on tour. What a pleasant and enthusiastic group you were , and this made my job so easy!!
I hope the rest of your holiday is as enjoyable.
Regards Sheila
Christina_A, Oct 2025
She has detail knowledge of the Palace. Her knowledge of history was excellent; she was patient with questions. She told the history in a well crafted manner with the proper amount of visual prop.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Christina,
Thank you for taking the time to leave me a glowing review. It was pleasure to take you and Rebecca on tour , and your enthusiasm was evident ! I hope the rest of your holiday is as enjoyable.
Regards Sheila
Connie_P, Oct 2025
This was wonderful experience. Sheila, our guide was extremely knowledgeable and readily fed us tons of interesting facts that made our limited knowledge come alive. The time flew by & we surprised at just how much we did not know.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Connie &Mike,
Thank you taking time to write a glowing review. It was my pleasure to take you on tour , you were both so enthusiastic and easy to entertain., it certainly made my job easy!!
Regards Sheila
Catherine_T, Oct 2025
Had an amazing tour from Sheila today. She sure knows her stuff! Very much appreciated how she geared the tour towards my interests. I had high expectations based on other reviews and they were exceeded. Thanks Sheila for an amazing first time experience, can't wait to come back!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Catherine,
Thank you for the lovely review. It was my absolute pleasure ,to take such a lovely lady on tour. You have to come back either way your daughter!Enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Regards Sheila
Anya_E, Oct 2025
Sheila is fantastic! Her tour was fascinating from start to finish, we had a wonderful time wandering the hallowed halls of the palace with her and came away full of stories. She's incredibly knowledgable about the vast history of the Tudors and the reign of Henry VIII (and his many, many wives), alongside her incredible knowledge of Hampton Court. We really got a true insider's look at the palace and those who have inhabited it throughout history, both living and paranormal. Overall Shiela gives a professional tour which delivers a very interesting and concise roundup of an historical masterpiece. We would 100% recommend, especially Mick!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Anya,
Thank you for taking the time to write me, such a wonderful review. It was my absolute pleasure to take you and your family on tour , you were all a riot to entertain especially Gareth ( AKA ) Mick ! I don’t think I’ve ever taken a tour which I Giggled my way through like yours , the quips and one liners ! from Mick made it a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.!
Regards Sheila
Diane_C, Oct 2025
Sheila’s knowledge and skill in making history come alive was exceptional. She made it very interesting and the tour was so informative.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Diane,
Thank you for the great review. It was my absolute pleasure to take you all on tour. You were all so easy to entertain and soo enthusiastic, you made my job very easy! I hope the rest of your holiday is as enjoyable!
Regards Sheila
James_M, Oct 2025
Sheila was a great guide, very knowledgeable and enjoyable. She has been giving tours at the palace a long time, and worked there before becoming a private guide. So she knows about the behind the scenes too. She tailored the tour to our interests and kept checking in to find out if there was anything else we wanted to see.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi James,
Thank you for the lovely review , it as my absolute pleasure to take you , Abby and Evie around the Palace. I hope you enjoyed Hamilton, and the rest of your holiday!
Regards Sheila
joshh518, Oct 2025
Great tour. Sheila was knowledgeable about the palace and gave us good highlights of the history and rooms, etc. She was cognizant of my kids, who really did enjoy it but let’s also be honest, have limited attention spans in today’s digital age. My daughter - in her cynical teen stage - said it was one of her favorite tours in London…I’m not sure there is a stronger endorsement than that.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Josh& Hicks family,
Thank you soo much for taking the .
time to review my tour! Your family were a joy especially your daughter Isobel and son Grayson, who was so gracious when I told him he’d be a young Gong scourer ( toilet cleaner!!)
I hope the rest of your holiday is as enjoyable.
Regards Sheila
Kathryn_G, Sep 2025
Our guide Sheila was amazing! The best guide we’ve ever had and we’re 65 years old. Extremely knowledgeable. Hampton court shouldn’t be viewed in under 3 hours. Our special interest was Tudor England so she catered to that. But the property is also Victorian and Georgian. The paintings and artwork were incredible. From the 600 year old kitchen to the royal tennis court (still in use) as well as the MASSIVE gardens, it’s a day we will never forget!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hi Kathryn,
Thank you for leaving the lovely review. I am so happy that you and Scott had a great time at the Palace , and it was my absolute pleasure to guide for you! I hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Regards Sheila
Lawrence_K, Sep 2025
Interesting Tudor and crown history, perfectly delivered by Shiela Dunsmore. The gardens are spectacular. This tour exceeded expectations!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hi Lawrence,
Thank you for the lovely review. It was my pleasure to take you and Katherine on tour, you were both so interested in all aspects of the Palaces History! I do hope you enjoyed exploring the rest of the Palace and Gardens.
Regards Sheila
Amber_S, Sep 2025
Sheila was wonderful! We have a family of 4, ranging from 16 to 71 and all thoroughly enjoyed the tour. I would highly recommend a private tour with Sheila to make the most of your visit.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hi Amber,
Thanks for reviewing my tour , that you went on this morning! I appreciate the lovely feedback , and if you get to see SIX ,hopefully I’ve set the scene for you to really understand the story!!
Regards Sheila
John_K, Aug 2025
In a most interesting & historical important visit, a one to one guide is of enormous assistance in learning as much as possible in a short period of time. A wonderful visit with a more than knowledgable guide - brilliant
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi John,
Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review. It was my absolute pleasure to take you on tour, and I hope you are enjoying spending time with your daughter!
Regards Sheila
Julie_F, Aug 2025
Sheila was amazing! She really took her time with us and geared our tour around things that interested us the most. I was there with my 12 and 15 year olds and they loved every second. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi Julie,
Thank you so much for the lovely review, it was my absolute pleasure to take you all on tour. I hope you enjoyed your end to the Tudor days experience, with SIX !!
Regards Sheila
Kathy_p, Aug 2025
Sheila was an amazing guide who went out of her way to communicate with us about the tour! We highly recommend her!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi Cathy,
Am I correct in thinking you were the lady with 6 friends I took on tour?
You were all lovely and very interested in aspects of the Palaces History.It was my pleasure to take you all tour!
Regards Sheila
Marguerite_S, Aug 2025
Shiela was a wonderful knowledgeable tour guide. She knows all the details and secrets of Hampton Court Palace. The tour was very interesting, enjoyable and informative. She answered any questions we had and made the tour a wonderful experience.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi Marguerite,
Thank you for the lovely review. It was absolute pleasure to take you and Kathy on tour. You were both so amiable and interested in all the History!
Regards Sheila
Ben_H, Jul 2025
Sheila was our private tour guide. (It was just me Son and me.) She was absolutely amazing! She has a vast knowledge of such a complex history that was fascinating because she tied it all to personal moments and answered every one of our very many questions. We will never forget our time at Hampton Court!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Ben,
Thank you for the marvellous review. It was pleasure to take you and David on tour! I hope the rest of your holiday is as enjoyable.
Regards Sheila
Chris_H, Jul 2025
Shelia was amazing. There is not a thing she didn't know about Hampton Court and it's various residents. She was prompt, knowledge like an encyclopedia, new all the back stories and was jolly and a lot of fun on the tour.
Had a wonderful day at Hampton Court
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Chris,
thank you soo much for taking the time to review my tour, and for the lovely feedback. It was my absolute pleasure to take you and Alicia on tour , you were both so amiable and easy to entertain!
Regards Sheila
Brooke_E, Jul 2025
We only had 1.5 hours to spend at Hampton Court. Sheila customized the PERFECT tour, and we could have stayed with her for hours. We’re not always “guided tour” people, but she was amazing. So knowledgeable, the best storyteller, and responsive to all of our questions. We learned a ton - not only about Henry VIII, but the history of England.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Brooke,
thank you soo much, for leaving such a lovely review. It was my pleasure to take both of you on tour , you were so amiable. Hope to see you back at the Palace, while you are residing in Richmond.
Best Wishes Sheila
Joel_R, Jul 2025
Sheila was just lovely! So informative and kind. I’ve looked forward to this tour for several weeks and it was so worth it.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Joel,
thank you for the lovely review. It was my pleasure to entertain you both, as you were so amiable . I hope you managed to get a lovely meal at the Mute Swan? I hope the remainder of your holiday is as enjoyable.
Regards Sheila
Elizabeth_K, Jul 2025
My husband and I enjoyed a lovely morning with Sheila. She was prompt to our meeting time and was able to use her extensive knowledge to tailor our tour to the topics that interested us. Having a personal guide let us move at our own pace and we could focus more time on certain areas and less on others. An excellent tour!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you for taking time, to write me the lovely review! It was my pleasure to take you and Jacob around the Palace, and I hope the rest of your holiday is as enjoyable.
Regards Sheila
From $242.81
per group (up to 10)up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Private Guided Tour of Hampton Court Palace
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